5 Ultimate & Easy Ways to Beat Stress Naturally

In simple language, mindfulness means being in a state of awareness. In other words, as the yogis mention, being in the ‘now’ or the present moment.

Most of the time we operate from an autopilot mode and react impulsively to situations around us.

Eg: criticism, self-pity, the blame game, judgment, regretting the past or worrying about the future, etc. Unknowingly we get addicted to the negative pattern of thinking. Mindfulness breaks this spiral allowing us to take charge of our lives. It trains our mind to accept and see things and situations as they are, work through them tactfully.

Decisions when are guided by mindfulness leave no room for regret as they are taken from a level of consciousness. Mindfulness magically transforms your brain to “respond” then react, which is the most sought out option, especially when faced with problems.

Regularly operating from the level of mindfulness forms a positive groove that enables you to perceive and calibrate situations in a more healthy fashion contributing to your overall growth.

Ayurveda says, ‘Breathing is the physical part of thinking and thinking is the psychological part of breathing.'

In Sanskrit, Pranayama means “extension of the prana or breath”. ‘Prana’ means life-force and it is the life-force or vital energy that pervades the body.

It’s seen that a relaxed happy mind results in rhythmic breathing, while a stressed mind results in irregular breathing. Pranayam serves as a remedial tool in regulating our breathing and is vital for self-healing.

Regular practice of Pranayam has some amazing benefits:

Surrendering to the supreme can largely help to de-stress oneself. Being religious or spiritual has proven to affect one’s mental and physical health positively. Harboring negativity or holding on to any past pain can lead to unnecessary stress while the approach ‘to let go’ eases life and relationships.

Chanting helps one to connect to the almighty and empower oneself. Tapping into this reservoir of inner power during the trying times can keep you afloat bolstered with positivity.

As per the ancient Hindu sages, chanting Om has tremendous health benefits. Your body will experience certain vibrations as you chant this syllable.

Chanting Om reduces stress and anxiety, improves concentration, reduces negativity, boosts confidence, promotes emotional stability, strengthens the spinal cord, and detoxifies the body among myriad health benefits.

And yes, if you experience a good sound sleep too, don’t be surprised. The magic of Om is working!

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.

No prize for guessing that a relaxed mind and body will work to its optimal. Letting the mind and body to enter and experience a state of deep rest is relaxation.

Countless benefits of relaxation involve the physical and mental. A relaxed mind will respond better to stress as opposed to the flight or fight response.

People suffering from insomnia are known to get better sleep by having practiced relaxation.

Temperament issues in people can be alleviated through relaxation techniques. Depression, anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic attacks can be better dealt with deep relaxation.

In addition, it adds to better concentration, focus, and problem-solving skills.

Yes, breathing is automatic! But most of us do not breathe right.

In the case of normal breathing, the stomach goes out with minimal chest and shoulder movements. Muscles around airways are fully relaxed. However, under stressful situations, it causes irregular breathing. This can provoke more anxiety and more irregular breathing. One can experience heavy breathing or even shortness of breath, a situation where it is impossible to pull enough oxygen.

Shallow breathing can result in dry mouth and fatigue, aggravate respiratory problems, and can cause panic attacks. In the long run, it can lead to cardiovascular issues too. Breathing through our chests can pose serious health hazards like neck pain, headaches, and an increased risk of injury. Being weary, it results in a bad posture as our shoulders slump forward.

Equal breathing can be practiced through Sama Vritti Pranayama. The entire focus here is on “equal" breaths i.e.inhalation and exhalation both last for the same duration.

The benefits of deep breathing encompass both the mind and the body. It slows the heartbeat, soothes the nervous system, stabilizes the blood pressure, and energizes you.